• What is Arthritis?

  Arthritis is a general term for a group of more than 100 diseases that affect the joints, causing inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling. The condition can affect one or more joints and can vary in severity, ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that impacts daily life.

• Key Points about Arthritis
  • Joint Inflammation Arthritis typically involves the inflammation of the joints, which can lead to damage over time if left untreated.
  • Chronic vs. Acute Some forms of arthritis are chronic (long-lasting), while others can be acute (temporary or episodic).
  • Affects All Ages Though often associated with older adults, arthritis can affect people of all ages, including children (as in the case of juvenile arthritis).
• The Most Common Types of Arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis (OA)
    • What It Is The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time.
    • Symptoms Pain, swelling, reduced range of motion, and stiffness in joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine.
    • Cause Typically related to aging, repetitive use of joints, or injury over time. It can also be influenced by genetic factors.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
    • What It Is RA is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and potential joint damage.
    • Symptoms Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially in the hands, wrists, and knees. Often symmetrical (affects both sides of the body).
    • Cause The exact cause isn't fully understood, but it's thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors (like infections or smoking).
  • Gout
    • What It Is Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, most commonly the big toe.
    • Symptoms Sudden, intense pain, swelling, and redness in the affected joint. Gout flare-ups can last for days or weeks.
    • Cause High levels of uric acid in the blood (often due to diet, alcohol consumption, obesity, or certain medications).
• Objective of Yoga Therapy Class for Arthritis

  Yoga therapy for arthritis focuses on using gentle, therapeutic yoga techniques to help manage symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. It integrates physical movement, breathing exercises, mindfulness, and relaxation practices to promote overall well-being.

• Benefits of Yoga Therapy for Arthritis
  • Pain ReliefYoga improves circulation and reduces inflammation, easing chronic pain.
  • Increased Flexibility Gentle stretching in yoga enhances joint mobility and flexibility.
  • Strength Building Strengthening muscles around joints provides support and reduces strain.
  • Stress Reduction Yoga’s mindfulness and breathing exercises help manage stress, which can exacerbate arthritis symptoms.
  • Improved Posture Correcting posture and alignment alleviates joint strain, particularly in the spine, shoulders, and hips.

Creating aYoga Therapy Class for Arthritistypically involves structuring the session in a way that addresses the unique needs of individuals with arthritis while also offering a progressive approach to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall wellness. Below is an outline ofmodulesthat could be used for a series of yoga therapy classes aimed at individuals with arthritis. Each module focuses on a specific goal or area of the body, using targeted yoga practices, breathing techniques, and relaxation strategies.